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Baby names

Find baby name inspiration and advice on the Mumsnet Baby Names forum.

Original poster

Teddy for a girl, is it really that controversial??

210 replies

lucie8881 · 05/03/2020 11:45

Now I'm not overly swayed by others opinions because when it comes to names as we all have our preferences. Whether you love or loathe a name depends a lot on your own personal experiences, thoughts and feelings. I've always gone along with if you're happy with your choice and it's not offensive pretty much all's good.

I'm pregnant with a little girl due in June, myself and DH have been pondering names and on our shortlist is the name Teddy. We'll pick a middle name as well but haven't really given much consideration to that as yet. I was speaking with my DM and she asked me about names, I mentioned a few before getting to Teddy, at which point she was horrified!
Not just "I'm not keen" but more along the lines of "you can't name a baby that, it's not a proper name" and we're being cruel and opening up the child to being bullied at school. The conversation ended with DM saying if we used the name she wouldn't be using it, she would use the baby's middle name or something else more appropriate. I responded with its best we don't discuss names any further and leave it at that.

Sorry about the ramble, but I'm not sure whether I'm missing something?? I get that it may be not to everyone's taste but is it really that offensive?

It's made me question my judgement a little so just wondering what others opinions are?

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DCIRozHuntley · 05/03/2020 16:37

Could you go with Theodora, Dorothea, Edwina or perhaps even Teresa?

Teddy as a standalone name doesn't appeal to me but every one I have ever come across is male, and you wouldn't call a boy Gracie.

Original poster
lucie8881 · 05/03/2020 16:33

Thanks @BobbyBlueCat for your well thought out, constructive input Grin

OP posts:
WildCherryBlossom · 05/03/2020 16:28

Yes @thursdaylastweek I get that Evelyn Waugh vibe too. The Theodora / Teddy I know is a little bit like a modern day Waugh character.

Steamfan · 05/03/2020 16:23

my son has a lovely dog called Teddy

BobbyBlueCat · 05/03/2020 16:17

Grow up.

ThursdayLastWeek · 05/03/2020 16:17

Honestly, just don’t discuss your choices with your mum.

I think it’s fine as a NN but I’d definitely give the child a full proper name on the birth certificate.

I think it has a kind of 30s, Evelyn Waugh feel - is there a female character in one of his books called Teddy?

TinklyLittleLaugh · 05/03/2020 16:17

I think it’s very sweet as a nickname. I know a few teenage boy and old bloke Teddies in real life.

Fifteenthnamechange · 05/03/2020 16:09

I love it

Knittedfairies · 05/03/2020 16:04

One of the Beverley Sisters was called Teddie, but apparently christened Hazel. I think it's fine as a nickname but not too keen on it as a 'real' name.

user1493494961 · 05/03/2020 15:53

I know an Edward, always called Teddy or Ted. I agree with a lot of the posters, Teddy is OK as a nickname but I would put a 'proper' name on the BC, Theodora or Edwina maybe, then Teddy for a girl isn't quite so ridiculous and you won't get the negative reaction as you have on here. I'm sure even your Mum couldn't object if your DD's given name was Theodora, (not that it's up to her, I know).

Floribundance · 05/03/2020 15:48

There are going to be a lot of teenaged boys called Teddy from the baby name stats. I would put something else on the certificate but lots of people like it as is.

Floribundance · 05/03/2020 15:46

I see Teddy as a boys’ name. I know it’s used as a nickname for both boys’ and girls’ names but Teddy as a stand alone name is much more popular as a boys’ name.

names.darkgreener.com/#teddy

SoftBlocks · 05/03/2020 15:45

Why not Theodora which is a lovely name, and Teddy as a nickname?

JassyRadlett · 05/03/2020 15:43

One of the Beverley Sisters ( 60s singing trio) was called Teddie.

And her real name was Hazel.

JellyfishandShells · 05/03/2020 15:38

One of the Beverley Sisters ( 60s singing trio) was called Teddie.

Lavenderblues · 05/03/2020 15:34

Are the posters also thinking it's not ok for a boy?

Not for a boy above age 5! Would a teenager really want to introduce himself as a Teddy 🧸 ?!!

Lavenderblues · 05/03/2020 15:32

Teddy is cute for a baby girl. Short for Theodora or Edwina. I know 2 toddler girl Teddies.

But for a grown woman or, worse, man?! Would any teen really want to be called Teddy 🧸 Shock?!

Alwaysundecided · 05/03/2020 15:03

I really wouldn't. I've reluctantly accepted Teddy for a boy is now pretty mainstream, and those Teddys have the option of Ted which sounds like a man's name.
Theodora nicknamed Teddy, now that is a cool name!
She can be Theadora, Thea or Teddy.

Napqueen1234 · 05/03/2020 13:59

I think it’s fine if a nn. I’m always wary of very cutesy baby type names though as they grow up quick! A friend of a friend has a DD ‘Bow Bunny’ which was bad enough a a baby but as a child + is just awful imo!

Comefromaway · 05/03/2020 13:59

I don't know any male Teddy's. I know a few Ted's including my uncle (it's a nickname).

I know several Edwards with the nickname Ted. I wouldn't call a boy Teddy either, it would be Edward.

PetraRabbit · 05/03/2020 13:59

It's a cute nickname but I think it's nice to give her a proper name. It's fine to say older mothers/Mumsnet posters are snobby but in the future they might have your daughter's CV on their desk and ignore it because they have preconceptions about her. You can't change the world she lives in, so don't limit her chances. If you don't like Theodora or Edwina then maybe Edie or something else- find a naming book and something close enough that you like.
Teddy is going to be very popular amongst boys in her class at school- it's pretty much 2020's new Alfie or Noah- so also check you don't mind that people seeing her name on a list will often tick the box for male if they haven't seen her. That could become a pain. But up to you.

TakeMeToYourLiar · 05/03/2020 13:54

Are the posters also thinking it's not ok for a boy, because it's a pretty popular boys name!

I know an adult female Teddy, it's short for Theodora

Comefromaway · 05/03/2020 13:48

I quite like it. Doesn't Robbie Williams have a daughter called Teddy?

Yes, she's called Theodora.

burritofan · 05/03/2020 13:36

Teddy is lovely, people will assume it's a nickname for Theodora even if it isn't, so it's fine to name a girl that. More worrying is the idea your mum would call your daughter a different name just because she doesn't like your choice!

My rule of thumb is don't discuss names while pregnant; people will be rude. Announcing a baby: people will be delighted.

chickenninja · 05/03/2020 13:33

I quite like it. Doesn't Robbie Williams have a daughter called Teddy?

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